Enrollment Priorities
The Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres (VSOCC) operates nearly 800 licensed child care spaces for children ages 3 months to 10 years old.
Priority is given to current VSOCC families and families who live in neighbourhoods close to our Centres. While our goal is to provide child care for as many families as possible, our wait list does NOT operate on a “first come, first serve basis”
When a space becomes available, we offer in the following order:
- Children who are currently enrolled in VSOCC as determined by the child’s start date,
- Children of VSOCC employees,
- Children who previously attended VSOCC but had to leave due to lack of space in the next age group,
- Siblings of children currently enrolled,
- All other children on our waitlist with priority to children living in the neighbourhood as determined by the child’s application date.
Other Considerations that may affect the order in which spaces are offered:
- To be eligible for School Age programs, children must be enrolled in Elsie Roy Elementary School or Crosstown Elementary School. Priority is given to children currently enrolled in VSOCC who have a sibling enrolled in the school age location where the space is vacant and children living in the school catchment.
- To support children with transition to the next age group, programs maintain a balance of children’s ages. As such this may impact the priority in which spaces are offered.
- VSOCC ensures access to childcare spaces by low-income families which may impact the priority in which spaces are offered.
How does the VSOCC waitlist work?
The Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres (VSOCC) operates nearly 800 licensed child care spaces for children ages 3 months to 12 years old.
While our goal is to provide child care for as many families as possible, our waitlist does NOT operate on a “first come, first serve basis”. We give priority to current VSOCC families and families who live in neighbourhoods close to our Centres.
When can I apply and place my child on the waitlist?
You may put your child’s name on the waitlist when your child is born. Please note: a photocopy of your child’s official birth certificate is required for children under 14 months old.
Is there a waitlist application fee?
No.
How long can I expect to wait to receive an offer of child care space?
The majority of spaces become available between May and September of each year as children are leaving our program to commence kindergarten.
Given we do not operate on a ‘first come – first serve basis it is difficult to estimate when a space may become available. There are many factors including siblings currently attending, date of application, type of program, and where you live or work.
The length of time is different for each age group and type of care. Average waitlist times are as follows:
- Under 3/ Toddler Group Care: 1-3 years
- 3 to 5 Group Care: 1-3 years
- Preschool: 1-2 years
- School Age: 1-3 years
Note: This information is intended to help families understand when spaces are offered. It is general information and as such should not be considered a precise indicator as to when you may receive an offer of care.
Given we cannot guarantee that a space will become available we encourage families to continue exploring child care options. West Coast Child Care Resource Centre can provide more information about child care in your community. http://www.wstcoast.org/index.html
What if my child has special needs?
VSOCC is an inclusive environment and welcomes children with special needs. If your child has special needs, we work with you and any other service providers to:
- assess your child’s strengths, interests & needs
- determine how our program meets these needs
- identify the support needed to successfully include your child in our program.
This planning can take some time so we will contact you in advance of a space becoming available.
I applied when my child was under 3 years old, how do I add my child to the 3-5 program?
If you applied when your child was under 3, your child will automatically be placed on the waitlist for the 3-5 child care program.
If you want your child to be added to the waitlist for school age, please contact us to do so.
Where am I on the waitlist?
Given VSOCC does not operate on a ‘first come – first serve’ basis it is difficult to forecast when you can expect to receive a space offer. We do not provide waitlist numbers and are unable to respond to requests related place on the waitlist.
How much notice will I be given when a space becomes available?
We aim to provide a minimum of one month notice.
When a space becomes available, we send a notification by email to a number of families on the waitlist to confirm who is interested. Please ensure you add emails from “@vsocc.org” to your safe sender list.
From the responses received, we offer the space to the first “eligible” child using our established priorities. When we extend a space offer, you have 24 hours to respond. If we do not hear from you within 24 hours, we will move to the next child on the waitlist. It is important you inform us of any changes in your contact information.
Can I view the program?
Families who have been offered a space and wish to view the program before accepting the space will be provided a short tour. Once a space is accepted, the family will participate in an orientation at the program and more detailed information about the program is shared.
What happens if I decline a space when it is offered?
We send notification by email to a number of families on the waitlist to determine who is interested. If you reply “yes” and are offered the space, but then change your mind, it will be considered a decline on your child’s file. If you turn down 3 space offers, which match your request, your child’s name will be moved to the bottom of the waitlist and you will lose your priority status. Your new application date will be the date you decline the third space offer.
If you do not require a child care space and would like to be removed from our waitlist, please complete the following survey: here
What if I accept a space and then decide I don’t want it?
We have a 45-day withdrawal policy and withdrawals are effective on the 15th or the last day of the month.
If you accept a space (sign the acceptance letter and submit the fee payment form), you are responsible for a 45 day fee payment unless your withdrawal notice is received more than 45 days prior to your child’s start date.
Once I have accepted a space, can I transfer?
A child’s feeling of security, connection, and well-being is our priority. A child’s attachment to and relationship with their caregivers and other children is essential and provides continuity to support their growth and development. Transfers may be granted for siblings and on an exception basis.
Once my child is in a VSOCC program, am I guaranteed a child care space in the next age group?
Spaces in the next age group are not guaranteed.
If you are offered an Under 3 space, you will be guaranteed care until your child is 36 months. While we cannot guarantee a space beyond 36 months, children currently enrolled in our programs always have priority.
Note: The majority of spaces become available between May and September of each year as children leave for kindergarten.
What is the difference between a Preschool program and a full day 3-5 program?
The primary differences between these two types of child care are:
- the hours of care offered,
- the adult to child ratio (1 early childhood educator per 10 children in programs that are less than four hours and 1 early childhood educator per 8 children in programs that are more than four hours).
These two programs (and all other VSOCC programs) are based on the same core elements and learning goals as outlined by the BC Early Learning Framework and provide a high quality curriculum using current best practices in the field of early childhood education and care.
Child Care Fees
Click here for a list of our monthly program fees.
Locations
Click here for a map of VSOCC centres, addresses and programs.
Apply Now
Before completing your application,
- Review the information about how our waitlist works (see above).
- Complete one application per child.
- Your child must be born in order to be added to the waitlist. If your child is under 14 months, you are required to upload an image of your child’s birth certificate.
- You must have a BC address in order to complete an application and you will be required to upload proof of address. VSOCC uses a neighbourhood map to establish waitlist priorities.